Abstract:
An exemplary method for making a transparent composite includes steps of combining a refractive index modifier with a precursor solution to provide a modified polymer precursor solution, combining glass with the modified precursor solution, and curing the modified precursor solution to create a transparent glass reinforced polymer composite. An example refractive index modifier comprises a monofunctional compound or monofunctional monomer, a polyfunctional compound or polyfunctional monomer or polymer, which is combined with the polymer precursor solution to increase the crosslinking density of the chain in the cured modified polymer precursor solution, and thus increase the refractive index. An exemplary transparent composite comprises a glass reinforced thermosetting polymer composite layer sandwiched between glass layers.
Abstract:
A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes upper and lower track members and at least one fixed glass window panel. The track members are disposed at a surface of the fixed glass window panels and no portion of the track members is in contact with the opposite surface of the fixed glass window panels. A movable glass window panel is slidably disposed at the track members and movable at least partially along the track members relative to the fixed glass window panel or panels. The movable glass window panel is movable between opened and closed positions. A perimeter edge of the movable glass window panel may be received by a glide member, and the glide member may be disposed in the upper or lower track member to facilitate sliding of the movable glass window panel at least partially along the upper or lower track member.
Abstract:
A transparent laminated bulletproof and/or splinter-proof structure comprising three stacks of glass sheets (a, c; e, g, i; k) all connected together by adhesive interlayers (b, d, f, h, j), in which the first stack (a, c) is adjacent to and protrudes from the second stack (e, g, i), which is itself adjacent to and protrudes from the third stack (k), a liner (q, s, u) made of bulletproof and/or splinter-proof material is bonded to the laminated structure on the free peripheral surface of the first stack (a, c), the edge and the free peripheral surface of the second stack (e, g, i) and the edge of the third stack (k), and a transparent plastic sheet (m) is bonded to the liner (u) and to the free face of the third stack (k). A manufacturing process, the application of this laminated structure, and a glazing comprising it.
Abstract:
An exemplary method for making a transparent composite includes steps of combining a refractive index modifier with a precursor solution, combining glass with the precursor solution, and curing the precursor solution to create a transparent glass reinforced polymer composite. An exemplary transparent composite comprises a glass reinforced thermosetting polymer composite layer sandwiched between glass layers.
Abstract:
A composite article includes a first window layer formed from a vitreous material and a reinforced silicone layer disposed adjacent the first window layer. The reinforced silicone layer includes a cured silicone composition and a fiber reinforcement. Due to the presence of the cured silicone composition in the reinforced silicone layer, the composite article exhibits excellent fire resistance and will not emit as much smoke and toxic gases as composite articles including primarily carbon-based materials. Further, due to the presence of the fiber reinforcement in the reinforced silicone layer, the composite article maintains excellent structural integrity even after a breach is formed in the composite article due to heat. As such, the composite articles of the subject invention may be suitable for load-bearing applications that are not possible with existing composite articles.
Abstract:
A glass reinforcing strip for a glass pane is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The glass reinforcing strip includes a first substantially planar contact portion formed of a sheet material and a second substantially planar contact portion formed of the sheet material and substantially coplanar with the first contact portion. The glass reinforcing strip further includes a displaced portion formed of the sheet material and located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion and non-coplanar with the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The displaced portion creates at least some rigidity in the glass reinforcing strip.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a blast resistant assembly for use as a window, door, or the like, that is capable of withstanding a bomb blast, hurricane, tornado, or other strong force. The assembly includes a composite panel that comprises a glass sheet bonded to a polymeric layer, and a frame that surrounds the composite panel. In the event of an explosion or other strong force, the composite panel is secured within the frame by one or more retainers. Each retainer includes an extension that is embedded within the polymeric layer. The composite panel may also be pivotally mounted to the frame to facilitate deflection of the composite panel during a blast, and to provide a means for emergency exit.
Abstract:
A method for installing a vehicle window assembly in a vehicle includes selecting a vehicle interior accessory member from the group including a storage system, a lighting system, an instrument display system, an electrical power system, a temperature controlled air system, a system control panel, a window panel shade system, an interior trim component, a hand grip, and a sun visor assembly, forming the window assembly by securing the selected vehicle interior accessory to a predetermined area of the inner surface of a window panel, and installing the vehicle window assembly over or within a window opening of the vehicle after securing the interior accessory to the window panel such that the interior accessory is accessible to an occupant of the vehicle from the vehicle interior after installation.
Abstract:
Bonded vehicular glass assemblies utilizing two-component urethane adhesives to attach dynamic load-bearing attachment members to glass substrates to form a joint suitable for use on a vehicle, and related methods of forming are described herein. In addition, methods of attaching components to glass by use of these adhesives are disclosed. The two-component urethane adhesives utilized in this invention have been found to provide surprisingly strong bonds between glass and other materials which meet or exceed OEM requirements, and be particularly well suited for use in vehicles.
Abstract:
A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly. The interior accessories may be interconnected to the window panel by a variety of fasteners which provide the ability to quickly interchange an interior component and/or provide sufficient tensional strength characteristics to suspend the interior accessory from the interior surface of the window panel. Also provided are a perimeter storage and concealment system for providing a finished interior and storage capability about the interior of the window opening. Preferably, the assembly is used in the roof area of the vehicle such that the accessories are supported overhead of the passenger compartment.